Target Finish Date

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Target Finish Dates

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using Target Finish Dates in project management?

a) Establishing clear expectations and deadlines b) Improving resource allocation efficiency c) Eliminating the need for project management software d) Serving as an early warning system for potential delays

2. What does "negative float" indicate in project management?

a) The project is ahead of schedule. b) The project is likely to be completed before the target date. c) The current schedule is not feasible and needs adjustments. d) The project has ample time to complete all tasks.

3. Which of the following is NOT a common factor contributing to negative float?

a) Long predecessor durations b) Lack of parallelism in tasks c) Effective use of project management software d) Poor estimation of task durations

4. What is the recommended strategy when negative float is detected?

a) Ignore it, as it is a normal part of project management. b) Immediately extend the target finish date without further investigation. c) Analyze the schedule, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions. d) Assign more resources to the project to compensate for the delay.

5. What is a primary benefit of using project management software to manage Target Finish Dates?

a) It eliminates the need for manual calculations. b) It can automatically adjust task durations to avoid negative float. c) It provides alerts and tools to help identify and address negative float. d) It guarantees project completion within the target finish date.

Exercise: Managing Negative Float

Scenario:

You are managing a website development project with a target finish date of December 15th. Your project schedule shows the following:

• Task A: Design website (5 days)
• Task B: Develop website (10 days)
• Task C: Test website (3 days)
• Task D: Deploy website (1 day)

Problem:

Task A has been delayed due to design revisions, extending its duration to 8 days. This creates a negative float, pushing the late finish date beyond December 15th.

Task:

1. Identify the cause of the negative float.
2. Propose two strategies to address the negative float.
3. Explain how your proposed strategies could help meet the target finish date.

<ul>
  <li>**Strategy 1: Reduce Predecessor Duration:**  Re-evaluate the design revisions and prioritize essential elements.  Focus on completing the core website design within the original 5-day timeframe, while leaving minor adjustments for later stages.  This would reduce the duration of Task A and bring the late finish date closer to the target.</li>
  <li>**Strategy 2: Increase Parallelism:**  Analyze if any parts of Task B (Development) can be initiated concurrently with the design phase (Task A). For example, if the framework and basic structure of the website can be developed while the design is finalized, this could shorten the overall project duration.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
  <li>**Reducing Predecessor Duration:**  By prioritizing essential design elements and completing the core design within the original timeframe, the project can avoid the delay caused by the revised design. This would bring the late finish date closer to the target date.</li>
  <li>**Increasing Parallelism:**  By performing some parts of development simultaneously with the design process, the project team can gain valuable time. This would help complete the project within the target finish date, even with the delay in the design phase.</li>
</ul>